Kwara State University Delegation Engages in Transformative Dialogue at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit

Oluchi Chibuzor

The 20th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES 20), held from March 18 to 20, 2014, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration between the private sector and academic institutions. The summit, themed “Transforming Education through Partnerships for Global Competitiveness,” convened government officials, business leaders, educators, and policymakers to deliberate on sustainable strategies aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s education system and bolstering economic growth.

A notable highlight of NES 20 was the active participation of a delegation from Kwara State University (KWASU), led by Assistant Lecturer Ms. Bisayo Oluwatosin Otokiti, who was nominated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Otokiti shared several key insights intended for the Vice-Chancellor.

Leading the KWASU delegation at NES 20 has been a profound honour Ms. Otokiti remarked. Being selected from over 500 esteemed colleagues is not only a significant career milestone but also a testament to the trust and confidence placed in me by the university’s leadership.

She further emphasized the summit’s impact, stating, “The event underscored the imperative of synergistic partnerships between academia and industry as catalysts for educational reform and economic development.” Engaging with industry leaders highlighted the necessity of aligning our academic curricula with prevailing market demands, thereby equipping our students with the requisite skills for the contemporary workforce.

Deliberations at the summit accentuated the critical role of technological integration in pedagogical methodologies to enhance educational outcomes. “Our involvement afforded us a nuanced understanding of the strategic role that academic institutions can play in influencing and shaping educational policies,” Ms. Otokiti observed. “The forum provided an invaluable opportunity to interface with policymakers and business magnates, paving the way for prospective collaborations.”

A salient theme that emerged was the importance of comprehending industry expectations to better mentor students toward entrepreneurial ventures and employment prospects. “The summit illuminated the pressing need for augmented investment in research endeavours to drive innovation within our academic frameworks,” Ms. Otokiti added. “Continuous professional development surfaced as a pivotal element for educators striving to remain abreast of global educational trends.”

Central to the summit’s discourse was the emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in education. Business leaders engaged in substantive discussions focused on bridging financial deficits, refining curriculum relevance, and fostering the infusion of technology in educational institutions. Corporations demonstrated their commitment through initiatives encompassing corporate-sponsored scholarships, digital learning platforms, and vocational training programs.

“The private sector’s engagement in education transcends traditional corporate social responsibility; it constitutes a strategic investment in cultivating our future talent pool,” asserted a distinguished business executive present at the event. “By harmonizing educational outputs with industry requisites, we are facilitating job creation and propelling economic advancement”.

Enterprises spanning sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), agriculture, and the creative industries proffered invaluable perspectives on how educational reforms can serve as a conduit for job creation and youth empowerment. Their collaborative efforts with universities and research institutions underscored the significance of academia-industry linkages in amplifying research productivity and enhancing employability.

The ramifications of the summit extended beyond the educational sphere, exerting influence on economic policies and investment strategies that continue to favourably impact Nigeria’s business milieu. Advocacy for reforms aimed at ameliorating the ease of conducting business, infrastructural development, and governance was a focal point, with participating businesses playing an instrumental role in positioning Nigeria as a more enticing destination for investment.

As Nigeria endeavour to elevate its stature in the global arena, the collaborative contributions of the private sector and academic institutions at NES 20 epitomize a collective aspiration for a prosperous, enlightened, and resilient nation.